Caleb Downs faces high expectations going into his rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys. After an impressive collegiate career with the Alabama Crimson Tide and Ohio State Buckeyes, he was selected with the No. 11 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Dallas drafted him, hoping to get a difference maker. Last season, they ranked 32nd in points allowed per game (30.1). However, Downs is far from the only new face on the defensive side of the ball.
The Cowboys also drafted EDGE Malachi Lawrence (No. 23), signed safety Jalen Thompson (three years, $33 million) and traded for EDGE Rashan Gary.
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Everyone will soon share the field when the team begins its mandatory minicamp on June 16. However, Gary has already gotten a closer look at Downs through the Cowboys' OTA offseason workouts.
During a Tuesday appearance on "Good Morning Football," the pass rusher praised the rookie's leadership early on.
“He’s a dog man,” Gary said. “It’s early, man, but he’s a pros pro… You know, having a young guy, you know, also trying to bring guys along. So just him being a natural leader, man. He’s a great guy, and I just can't wait for him to keep on going and striving because we’re going to need him.”
Both defenders both have similar goals heading into their first years in Dallas. Help improve one of the NFL's worst defensive units and get the Cowboys back to the playoffs for the first time since 2023.
As the team continues to revamp its defense, Downs' leadership has already caught the attention of veterans like Gary. The Cowboys hope that maturity helps the rookie make an immediate impact this season.
